It's Time, Cosa Nostra (STEREONA CLAN 1)

Chapter 34

I cleared my throat, trying to calm myself and trying to control my ears. Kuya Asher handed me the microphone and I closed my eyes.

“Today, today is the worst day for me. I-I can’t just stand up here in front of all of you while my parents and my friend are h-here laying in this white coffin, l-lifeless. P-papa, hurt me, and it made me question myself, am I a bad daughter? But then when I-I knew why he did that, I-I realize that he’s selfless and I’m selfish, m-mas inisip niya kami bago ang sarili niya. I regret, staying away from him, for being a weak woman, for being an independent woman na h-hindi ko alam na nahihirapan na pala ‘yung s-sarili kong ama while I’m having a good time, living my life in I-italy. Papa, I-I love you s-so much. T-thank you f-for saving me. N-no words can express how g-grateful I am. Y-you did well, papa. Y-you m-made us proud. Y-you can now live and rest p-peacefully.” I wiped my tears, trying to stay still.

I sighed heavily, “N-ngayong taon lang na ‘to ko naranasan magkaroon ng isang ina pero parang p-pati ‘yun ay pinagkait pa sa’kin d-dahil maaga s-siyang namuhay kasama ang Diyos. Y-yes, I have many shortcomings being a daughter but even in a s-short period of time, s-she made me realize that f-forgiving someone will always be the best. L-lagi niyang pinaparamdam sa akin, sa amin ‘yung totoong pagmamahal ng i-isang ina na d-dati ko pa gustong maramdaman. M-mama, y-you also did well, you worked hard, y-you’re brave to be an independent woman who can stand on your own. I-I love you, mama. You and papa will always r-remain in my heart. Hayden, he’s typically an ordinary man who had many dreams and goals in his life. H-he made my life miserable b-but I didn’t regret that I welcomed h-him in my life again. Hayden, I-I promise to take care of Warren like my own child. I promise to love him more than I love myself. T-thank you for being part of my life, t-thank you for bringing many lessons in my l-life. Y-you’ll always be in my heart, forever.”

Walang alinlangang inilagay ko na lang kung saan ang microphone at tumakbo na lang palayo. I sat at the grass, sobbing. “M-mommy, are you crying?” Inangat ko ang tingin sa batang nasa harapan ko.

It's Warren.

Pinunasan ko ang luha ko at ngumiti, “N-napuwing lang ako, baby. Why are you here?” Umupo si Warren sa tabi ko at pinunasan ang mga luhang tuloy-tuloy ang pagtulo, “Shush, tahan na po, mommy.” Nabalot ng saya ang puso ko, I hug him.

“I love you, baby.”

“I love you too, mommy ko.”

I smiled, being called ‘mommy’ even though he’s not my real son makes my heart flutter. So, this is the feeling having a child huh? It’s the best feeling. “Can I join?” Tanong ni Azriel na kakarating lang rin dito. Kumalas si Warren sa pagkakayakap ko sa kaniya at nginitian si Azriel. “Sure, daddy!” Masayang sagot nito.

Niyakap ni Azriel si Warren at napangiti ako roon, gigilid na sana ako ng bigla niyang hatakin ang kamay ko at nasubsob ako sa dibdib niya. Inilagay niya ang kamay niya sa bewang ko at nginitian ako. He wrapped his arms around me and he kissed my forehead.

I glared at him, nakalimutan niya ‘ata bigla ‘yung sinabi ko sa kaniya roon sa ospital. “Let’s go, balik na tayo roon?” Azriel asked, Warren and I nodded. Warren held my hand as we walked.

Nanikip ang dibdib ko ng bitawan ko ang bulaklak at nakita ko ang unti-unting pagbagsak nito sa kabaong ng mga magulang ko. Napaatras ako ng makita kong unti-unti ng bumababa sa lupa ang kabaong nila papa at mama. Si mama Calli naman ay sumisigaw sa sakit habang nakikita ang kabaong ng anak niyang unti-unti ring bumababa sa lupa.

Tumalikod ako at bigla na lamang may yumakap sa akin, “Everything happens for a reason. Take a deep rest and?” Ani ni Azriel, our eyes met,

“Start again.” Sabay naming sambit.